Classes

Ballet (3 Years +)

Classical ballet is characterised by a standard vocabulary of steps, poses and graceful movements including pointed feet, rising, jumping, stretching and tumbling. The class starts with exercises at the barre followed by work in the centre. Classical ballet is an integral element of being a good dancer, and helps immensely with flexibility, coordination and control for other style of dance such as jazz, tap and contemporary.

Jazz (3 Years +)

Jazz dance typically involves strong, syncopated and isolated movement, which gives this style of dance its edge and excitement. The various styles of jazz have grown from the emphasis on individual style and improvisation. Each teacher, dancer and choreographer brings a unique style in the mix.
A typical jazz class will involve an extensive warm-up focusing on stretching and strengthening, corner work to increase technical ability and then a dance, to combine technique and styles.

Hip Hop (8 yrs+)

Hip Hop uses many components and techniques of dance found in Urban Dance. These include popping, locking, breaking and isolations. Hip hop offers a fun-filled, high energy approach to dance that is popular with the modern dance industry.

Contemporary (11 yrs+)

Contemporary borrows from the jazz, ballet, funk, social dance styles and many modern dance styles of the 20th century. Contemporary dance encourages natural and spontaneous movement and personal interpretation. It focuses on self-expression, awareness of space and body movement, use of body weight, efficiency of muscle use and safe body alignment. Classes start with a comprehensive warm-up and gradually build up more elaborate dance routines.

Tap (5 Years +)

Jazz dance typically involves strong, syncopated and Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal plates. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. Tapping also involves using your arms and upper bodies to blend movement of ballet or jazz into a dance. Beginning with a warm-up to stretch the muscles of the legs and feet, we then practice a series of basic steps, adding more difficult combinations as the students become proficient. Tap requires a great deal of physical and mental fitness and its great for building muscle control as well as aerobic capacity for kids and adults.and then a dance, to combine technique and styles.

Pointe (invitation only)

Dancing en pointe is a major goal in a ballerina’s dance life. Dancing on your toes requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet. Dancers must be formally evaluated to determine if they are physically ready to meet the demands of pointe work; they will be checked for correct body position and alignment, sufficient turnout, strength and balance and mastery of basic ballet techniques. In order to maintain proper technique and flexibility needed for pointe work, it is imperative to practice ballet formally at least 3 times per week.

Adult Beginner Classes

Our Adult classes give you the opportunity to learn the technique of the art form, as well as facilitate a deeper knowledge of the mechanics of dance, explore what inspires us as individuals and encourage a healthy focus in dance (and life). As adults we carry not only the daily stress of our lives but also insecurities. Our classes provide a casual, enjoyable and safe place for adult students to explore their physical and cognitive abilities through dance. We have jazz, ballet, tap and Body Conditioning classes available.

Body Conditioning (14 years + to Adults)

A flowing fusion on Pilates, Yoga, Dance Specific exercises, Imagery and Meditation to help you connect Mind to Body. We pride ourselves on creating a safe place for you to learn and explore. These classes are the perfect foundation to build body awareness, technique and tone. It is suitable for all levels of experience and you can work at your own pace. All you need to bring is yourself, some comfortable clothing you can move freely in and a water bottle. (Yoga mats optional)

VET Dance

VET Dance Certificates I, II, III
PDA is one of the first dance schools in Australia to introduce this new nationally recognised vocational qualification in conjunction with both the CSTD and ADi.
VET offers students the opportunity to maximise future employment and career pathways; combining theory (provided by ADi) with practical learning (CSTD syllabus) at PDA and subsequently linking the students achievements to their academic institutions.
The aim of the Certificate course is to provide young people with the technical and performance skills, knowledge and attitudes to begin the process of establishing a career in dance education and the entertainment and performing arts industries. The skills learnt can be applied to every-day fitness and co-ordination, further training in dance and performance. It provides a deeper appreciation for dance including technique of dance steps, performance, staging, costuming and more. The courses cover key elements of dance practice including health and safety standards, nutrition, body science and history that are essential for the dancers of today.
Certificates I and II can be studied as prerequisites for Certificate III. Certificate III may be counted in block credits toward a student’s ATAR.
A Certificate and a Statement of Attainment listing all units of successful competencies is issued upon completion.

Dance and Movement classes for students with SPECIAL NEEDS

For 40 years we have offered weekly classes alongside mainstream classes. These are often the only form of regular, constructive movement for these students. It as an emotional outlet for these students and it is time away from their family and carers. We offer many music genres and a variety of props, as well as featuring in our end of year concert (optional) which is a highlight for everyone.
These classes are designed to encourage the links between Creativity. Movement and Intellect.

Parkwood Dance Crew

Teaches the skills of auditioning, working /competing and performing in a group to an elite standard.
Formed in 2014 by Miss Elyse and Miss Jess, PDC aims to extend committed and talented students in Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Broadway and Hip Hop styles. Students are provided opportunities to perform in a variety of settings ie. Community events, school fetes, competitions and PDA Concerts.